How to Get a Work Visa for Australia: A Beginner’s Guide

Australia is one of the most popular places for people looking to live and work overseas. It’s known for its beautiful nature, friendly people, and high quality of life. But before you can pack your bags and head down under, you’ll need to get a work visa.

This guide will walk you through the basics of getting a work visa for Australia. Whether you're just curious or ready to apply, this guide will help you understand the steps and requirements.

Types of Work Visas in Australia

Australia has many types of work visas. The one that suits you best depends on your skills, job experience, and whether you already have a job offer.

There are two main types of work visas:

• Skilled Migration Visas – These are for people with skills that are needed in Australia. You don’t always need a job offer to apply.

• Employer-Sponsored Visas – These are for people who have a job offer from an Australian company willing to sponsor them.

Let’s break down the most common types of work visas.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. You don’t need to be sponsored by an employer or state government.

Requirements:

• Your job must be on the Skilled Occupation List.

• You need at least 65 points (we’ll explain this system later).

• You must be under 45 years old when you apply.

• You need a skills assessment that proves your qualifications match Australian standards.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This is also a permanent visa, but you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory.

Requirements:

• Your job must be on the state’s occupation list.

• You need at least 65 points.

• You must be nominated by a state or territory.

You need a positive skills assessment.

3. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This is a temporary visa for workers with a job offer from an Australian employer. The company must show they can’t find an Australian for the job.

There are two main types:

• Short-Term Stream – Up to 2 years.

• Medium-Term Stream – Up to 4 years, with the option to apply for permanent residency later.

Requirements:

• Job must be on the approved list.

• You must be sponsored by an employer.

• You may need a skills assessment.

• You must meet English language requirements.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

This visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia if they’re nominated by an employer.

There are three ways to qualify:

• Temporary Residence Transition – You already work in Australia on a temporary visa.

• Direct Entry – You’ve never worked in Australia, or only briefly.

• Labour Agreement – If your employer has a special agreement with the government.

Requirements:

• You must be nominated by an employer.

• You may need a skills assessment.

• You must meet English and work experience requirements.

5. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

This visa is for young people who want to travel and work in Australia for up to a year. You can extend it for a second and third year if you meet certain conditions.

Requirements:

• You must be 18–30 years old (some countries allow up to 35).

• You must have a passport from an eligible country.

• You need enough money to support yourself.

• You can’t bring dependent children.

General Requirements for Most Work Visas

No matter which visa you apply for, there are a few common rules:

• English Skills – You’ll need to take an English test like IELTS or PTE.

• Health Checks – You may need a medical exam.

• Police Check – You’ll need to show you have no serious criminal record.

• Age Limit – Most skilled visas require you to be under 45.

• Skills Assessment – You must show that your qualifications match what’s needed in Australia.

How to Apply for a Work Visa

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to apply for most work visas:

• Choose the Right Visa: Figure out which visa suits your situation based on your job, skills, and whether you have a job offer.

• Get a Skills Assessment: For many visas, you need to prove your qualifications are accepted in Australia. A skills assessment is done by a government-approved organization.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): If you're applying for a points-based visa (like Subclass 189 or 190), you’ll need to create an online profile and enter your details into the SkillSelect system. If your score is high enough, you’ll be invited to apply.

• Get Invited to Apply: Once your EOI is accepted, you’ll receive an invitation to submit a full application.

• Apply Online: Submit your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to include all the documents they ask for.

• Wait for the Outcome: The processing time depends on the visa type. You can check the average times on the immigration website.

How the Points System Works

Some visas use a points system to decide who can apply. You get points for things like:

• Age (more points if you’re younger)

• English language skills

• Education and work experience

• Whether your partner has skills

• Whether you studied or worked in Australia

You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but more points increase your chances of getting selected.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s a rough idea of the costs:

• Subclass 189, 190, 491: About AUD 4,115 for the main applicant.

• Subclass 482: AUD 1,290 to AUD 2,690 depending on the stream.

• Subclass 186: Around AUD 4,115.

Other costs may include:

• Skills assessment: Varies by occupation.

• English test: Around AUD 300–400.

• Health checks: Around AUD 300–500.

• Police checks: Depends on your country.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Double-check your job is on the Skilled Occupation List.

• Try to score more than 65 points for better chances.

• Apply early for a state nomination or job offer, if needed.

• Keep your documents clear and correct – mistakes can slow things down.

• Stay updated – visa rules can change often, so check the immigration website regularly.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Australia for work is a big step, but it can lead to great opportunities and a high quality of life. The visa process may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the steps, it gets easier.

Take your time, follow the rules, and prepare your documents carefully. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s a good idea to talk to a registered migration agent or visit the official immigration website.

For more information and updates, check out the Immi Smart.